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Physical interrelation between Fokker-Planck and random walk models with application to Coulomb interactions

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Abstract

A model of the random walk is formulated to allow a simple computing procedure to replace the difficult problem of solution of the Fokker-Planck equation. The step sizes and probabilities of taking steps in the various directions are expressed in terms of Fokker-Planck coefficients. Application is made to many particle systems with Coulomb interactions. The relaxation of a highly peaked velocity distribution of particles to equilibrium conditions is illustrated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Colorado State University, 80521, Fort Collins, Col., USA

    G. W. Englert

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  1. G. W. Englert
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Part I of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of Doctor of Philosophy requirements at Colorado State University.

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Englert, G.W. Physical interrelation between Fokker-Planck and random walk models with application to Coulomb interactions. Appl. Sci. Res. 25, 201–214 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382296

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382296

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